Crime Map in the UK a Great Divide

Millions of homebuyers in England and Wales will be able to see what crimes have been committed in areas of interest with the launch of a new online crime map.

The maps will provide a monthly snapshot of crime and anti-social behaviour across every street in Britain.Grouped by crime types. To protect privacy, individual addresses are not pinpointed on the map. Crimes are mapped to an anonymous point on or near the road where they occurred.

Home office ministers have said that it will not have a negative effect on house prices.

“While it is unlikely that the publication of crime statistics will deal a blow to the property market, property valuations are likely to come under increasing scrutiny with the introduction of the crime map. While we wholeheartedly agree that crime and anti-social behaviour cannot be swept under the carpet, surveyors are waiting to see if the crime map will impact on valuations to lenders” says Andrew Turner, Head of Residential Agency at Smiths Gore.

Director at The House Shop says: “Crime maps are another service that will help buyers and sellers down the road of a cheaper DIY sale and move. The maps will be especially useful as an independent tool when moving to a new area and when an agent’s advice may be biased”

“It is more likely to impact on towns where proximity is key compared with the rural property market where crime rates are generally lower and therefore could be a great resource for buyers looking to relocate to different towns and cities.”

In this respect, it could create a greater disparity in prices between urban and rural properties.